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May 31, 2014

Some decisions are hard to make.
If this vintage Patti Playpal doll hadn't just stood in the corner of our bedroom collecting dust for, what, two years? (I don't even remember) then MAYBE I could have argued in favor of keeping her.

Then again, what's a 34" vinyl doll supposed to do -- tap dance?

Frankly, Patti has always spooked Michael and the dogs.

Also, she has always had a big crack in her left upper thigh which I never even tried to repair.

Adieu, ma petite!

Remember these bolts of fabric I salvaged from the trash outside the High School of Fashion Design last winter? Well they've sat on our balcony getting even grimier ever since.

Finally this week I dumped them in the clothing/fabric receptacle near my house and I'm 99% certain they got fished out within minutes by a very determined-looking Vietnamese woman who gasped and waved frantically just as I was releasing the dumpster door. Timing is everything.

I was very proud of myself for making these difficult ditching decisions.

I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit that I also acquired a few things this week.

This bucket hat, camp shirt, and shorts pattern, McCalls 2205. I bought it for the hat.

This book on vintage fabric (primarily 1940's/50's barkcloth) -- a Salvation Army find.

Then there are these two loaners from the library:

The first is the book Pattern Magic: Stretch Fabrics. Honesty, I don't think there are too many people who could pull off these outfits.

Also the DVD, Behind the Candalabra. Lurid but expertly cast and very well acted. True Liberace fans may wince.

Finally, an impulse purchase today at the flea market: this amazing beaded necklace -- too cheap to leave behind and quite the statement; it's made up of 96 strands! Whether I'll wear it or pass it along to Cathy, I'm not sure.

And that's it!

I'm a little sad about poor Patti, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

Have a great day, everybody, and don't forget to tune in tomorrow for my very first vlog post!

I loved that movie. I think Michael Douglas did an awesome job - of playing a complicated, creepy guy! And Matt Damon is also excellent. And they had real chemistry. But it was lurid! :-) IMO, not enough lurid movies these days.

Pattern Magic - Stretch Fabrics does include some pretty wacky designs, I agree (I personally prefer the other two books) but some are perfectly wearable or can easily be adapted to wearable garments. I made a t-shirt using the sleeve treatment on the cover myself

a boy, a dream, and 10+ sewing machines

I'm a native New Yorker and sewing fanatic! I started sewing in 2009 and today make all my own clothes using vintage sewing machines and vintage patterns, in addition to sewing for private clients. Welcome to the warm and whimsical world of Male Pattern Boldness, where the conversation is sewing, style, fashion, fabric, and more!